Grass repair tool

ABSTRACT

A grass repair tool that efficiently and easily repairs ball marks as well as other grass damage. The grass repair tool of the present invention not only stretches the undamaged grass surrounding the ball mark over the ball mark or other damage but also moves and compacts the soil beneath the damage into the damage and levels the playing surface. In a preferred embodiment the damage may be repaired from a standing position without bending over or kneeling.  
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grass repair tool includes two sets of multiple tines or blades. The first set of tines stretch the undamaged grass from around the damage over the damage. The second set of tines lift and compact the soil beneath the damage upward to fill and level the damaged area. The tines only move along the penetration marks to minimize damage to the grass.  
     The grass repair tool can be operated by a hand actuator, foot actuator, or power operated by pneumatic, hydraulic, explosive, motor, electrical or other mechanisms.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tools for repairing golf ball marks and general grass repair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Ball marks are often created on the course, particularly on the putting greens, during the game of golf. It is critical that these surfaces, particularly the putting greens, be maintained to a relatively smooth surface free of the ball marks and other irregularities that might affect the path of the golf ball. Additionally, unrepaired ball marks may cause permanent damage to the grass. Poorly maintained grass surfaces not only may affect the game, but may damage the reputation of the golf course itself.

[0003] Many times golfers will attempt to repair their ball marks by filling in the mark and tamping it down with their shoes or golf club. This often will cause more damage than the original ball mark, creating bare spots, hard spots and/or damaged surfaces.

[0004] There have been numerous attempts at providing tools that will properly repair ball marks and divots on grass surfaces. One common tool that is often used is a two pronged hand tool. This tool is inserted by hand into ground adjacent the ball mark at an angle so the prongs extend beneath the ball mark. The tool is then rotated inward towards the ball mark to fill the indentation of the ball mark. This process is repeated around the ball mark until the indentation is filled. This process requires kneeling by the user, and is often relatively ineffective.

[0005] There have also been a number of attempts to provide a device that will repair a ball mark in a more efficient manner and without requiring the user to kneel or bend down. One type of these devices utilize a plurality of tines or blades that are inserted into the ground around the ball mark. The tines are then pivoted upward under the ball mark to loosen the compacted soil and raise the soil under the ball mark and fill the indentation. Examples of these devices are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,585,298; 2,869,915; 3,168,150; 3,567,264; 4,179,147; 5,322,130; and 6,062,992. This method of filling the indentions may damage the grass roots around the ball mark and typically require extensive force to actuate the linkage operating the tines. This type of mechanism, while leveling the ball mark, fails to fill the ball mark with undamaged grass and typically creates a brown spot on the greens. This spot will at some point need to be replaced.

[0006] Another type of ball mark repair devices operate on another principle. These devices also use tines that are inserted at an angle into the grass around the ball mark indentation. These tines are moved horizontally to “stretch” the surrounding grass over the ball mark indentation. An example of this device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,226. This device however fails to loosen the impacted soil beneath the indentation and fails to fill and level the ball mark thus creating an unlevel surface.

[0007] There is presently a need for a ball mark repair tool that easily and efficiently repairs ball marks without the problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a grass repair tool that efficiently and easily repairs ball marks and other grass damage. The grass repair tool of the present invention improves upon the prior device by not only stretching the undamaged grass surrounding the ball mark over the ball mark but also moves the soil upward beneath the ball mark and compacts it into the ball mark and levels the playing surface. In a preferred embodiment the ball mark may be repaired from a standing position without bending over or kneeling.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ball mark repair tool includes two sets of multiple tines or blades. The first set of tines stretch the undamaged grass from around the ball mark over the ball mark. The second set of tines lifts and compacts the soil beneath the ball mark upward to fill and level the ball mark.

[0010] The ball mark repair tool of a preferred embodiment uses a single actuation mechanism to operate a first set of tines to stretch undamaged grass over the ball mark while simultaneously operating a second set of tines to lift and compact the soil beneath the ball mark upward into the ball mark to level the ball mark.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the tines of the ball mark repair tool move along the grass penetration point along the arc of penetration. This minimizes damage to the roots and understructure of the grass being repaired.

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a series of linkages and/or cams to actuate the movement of the tines in vertical, horizontal and pivoting directions. This increases the force of the device and minimizes wear on the mechanisms.

[0013] The ball mark repair tool of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a hand or foot operated plunger movable into a housing. The plunger moves an actuator rod downward as well as compressing a spring in the housing. The actuator rod moves a first collar and a first set of stretching tines downward a set distance. The stretching tines are then moved laterally or horizontally by the continued downward movement of a second collar that contacts cam surfaces on the first set of tines. This movement stretches the grass around the ball mark into the ball mark. At the same time, a second set of compacting tines are moved downward by the movement of the actuator rod. The second set of compacting tines are guided by a series of slots and guide pins. These slots and guide pins cause the compacting tines to initially move downward into the ground surface and then pivot upward and inward to lift and compact the soil beneath the ball mark into the ball mark. Both sets of tines retract into their original position once force is removed from the plunger.

[0014] These and other features will be evident from the drawings and the ensuing description of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the stretching tines and compacting tines.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the stretching tines.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the compacting tines.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the components of the device.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the initial movement of the stretching tines.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the horizontal movement of the stretching tines and the downward movement of the compacting tines.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the final movement of the stretching tines and the pivotal movement of the compacting tines.

[0024]FIG. 10 is a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The present invention provides a device for repairing ball marks, divots and other irregularities in the ground surface. While it is primarily intended for use on golf courses, it may also be usable in repairing ground irregularities in any form. It is to be expressly understood that the descriptive embodiments set forth herein are intended for explanatory purposes and are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the claimed inventions. Other embodiments and applications not described herein are considered to be within the scope of the invention. It is also to be expressly understood that while specific embodiments for the components of the repair tool are discussed, other equivalents to these embodiments that perform substantially similar functions are within the scope of the claimed inventions.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. In this preferred embodiment, described herein for explanatory purposes and not to limit the scope of the claimed inventions, the ball mark repair tool 10 includes a cylindrical housing 12 and vertically movable plunger 14. The plunger 14 moves vertically through housing 12 through bushing 16. At the lower end of housing 12 is bottom plate 18.

[0027] The tool 10, as shown in FIG. 2, includes two separate sets of tines. The first set of tines 20, 22, 24, 26 are referred to as the stretching tines (partially shown in FIGS. 2-4). Each of the stretching tines 20-26 include cam surfaces 28, 30 on the outer surfaces. The second set of tines 32, 34, 36, 38 (partially shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5) are referred to as the compacting tines. Although the preferred embodiment described herein utilize four stretching tines and four compacting tines, it is to be expressly understood that different numbers of tines and combinations of numbers of tines may be used under the present invention.

[0028] Each of the sets of tines are movable in at least two directions, as described in greater detail below. The movement of the tines is effected by actuating mechanisms operated by movement of the plunger 14. In this preferred embodiment, the actuating mechanisms are primarily linkages operationally connected between the plunger and the tines. It is to be expressly understood that while linkages are used in this preferred embodiment, other actuating mechanisms could be used as well, including without limitation, cam surfaces or even power mechanisms such as hydraulics, pneumatics, explosive, motor or electrical controls. As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the stretching tines 20-26 are connected to collar 40. Collar 40 includes four arms 42, 44, 46, 48 extending substantially radially from the center of the collar. Tines 20, 22, 24, 26 are pivotally connected to the arms 42, 44, 46, 48, respectively by pins 50. Collar 40 also includes center bushing 52 which is mounted over the actuator rod 54 for movement relative to actuator rod 54.

[0029] In this preferred embodiment, another collar 60 also includes radial arms 62, 64, 66, 68 for engaging each of the stretching tines 20-26. Collar 60 is also mounted onto actuator rod by a clamp, set screw or other clamping mechanism onto the actuator rod 54. The tines 20-26 are allowed to move radially and vertically relative to collar 60. Pins 63 on each of the arms 62-68 engage the cam surfaces 28, 30 on the outer surfaces of the tines 20-26.

[0030] A third collar 70 is mounted on actuator rod 54 between first collar 40 and second collar 60. Collar 70 also includes radial arms 72, 74, 76, 78 to which compacting tines 32, 34, 36, 38 are pivotally mounted by pins 80. The collar 70 is also mounted to slide over actuator rod 54. A clamp 82 (it can also be a set screw, pin or other clamping mechanism) is mounted onto actuator rod 54 spaced a set distance above. In this preferred embodiment, the set distance is equal to the distance of vertical travel of the stretching tines.

[0031] Guide plates 90, 92, 94 and 96 are mounted in housing 12 adjacent the compacting tines. Each of the guide plates 90-96 include internal slots 98 that receive the compacting tines 32-38, respectively. Transverse guide slots 100, 102 are formed in the sides of the guide plates 90-96. Guide pins 104, 106 are mounted to each of the compacting tines and engage in the guide slots 100, 102. The shape of the transverse guide slots 100 is relatively curvilinear while the shape of the transverse guide slots 102 is slightly angled.

[0032] Each of the compacting tines 32-38 is formed in two sections 110, 112 and connected at guide pin 104. The lower section 112 is able to pivot relative to the upper section 110 as the tines are moved downward so as the respective guide pins 104, 106 move within the guide slots 104, 106, the lower section 112 is able to pivot inward and upward as it engages in the lower portion of the guide slots.

[0033] A guide rod 120 is mounted in the lower portion of the housing 12. The actuator rod 54 slides over the guide rod 120, as shown in FIG. 5. A pin 122 extending the guide rod 120 acts as a stop to prevent the downward motion of the collar 40 beyond this point. A slot 124 in the actuator rod 54 allows the actuator rod 54 to continue the downward movement of the actuator rod 54. Spring 126 is mounted over the upper portion of actuator rod 54 between the collar 40 and a sleeve 128 mounted in the plunger 14 by pin 130.

[0034] During the operation of the ball mark repair tool 10, the plunger is moved downward as shown in FIGS. 6-9. This motion also moves the actuator rod 54 downward as well through housing 12. The sleeve 128 compresses the spring 126 against the upper surface of the collar 40. The actuator rod also causes the collar to move downward as well. The downward movement of the collar 40 forces the stretching tines 20-26 downward through slots in the bottom plate 18 of the housing. The second collar 60 moves downward as well during this initial movement. The force from the actuator moves the tines into the adjacent ground. Once the collar 40 abuts against the pin 122 or other stop surface, the downward movement of the stretching tines is ended as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The slot 124 rides over the pin 122 to allow the plunger and actuator rod 54 to continue downward movement.

[0035] Two separate movements then occur as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The pins 63 of the second collar 60 begin to move relative to the cam surfaces 28 of the stretching tines 20-26. This movement causes the stretching tines to move horizontally inward relative to the housing 12. A the same time, clamp 82 engages the third collar 70 causing the collar 70 to move downward with the movement of the actuator rod 54. The downward movement of the collar 70 causes the compacting tines 32-38 to move downward through slots in the bottom plate 18. Thus, at this stage the stretching tines are moving horizontally and the compacting tines are moving downward.

[0036] Once the stretching tines have been moved a set distance horizontally, the pins 63 of the collar 60 engage on surface 30 of the stretching tines which is substantially vertical at this point. This maintains the stretching tines in position but no longer moves them horizontally. As the guide pins 104 begin in the curved potion of the guide slots 100 and the guide pins 106 continue in the relatively straight guide slots 102, the lower section 112 of the compacting tines 32-38 pivot upward and inward as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. This motion continues until the downward motion of the plunger is ended. Once the downward force of the plunger 14 is ended, the resilient bias of the compressed spring 126 pushes the actuator rod 54 upward and the tines move back to their original position.

[0037] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 10. This embodiment is similar to the above described embodiment, except that the plunger 14 includes a foot actuated plunger 140. A carrying handle 142 (upper portion not shown) is also included as well. Other preferred embodiments include hydraulic and/or electrically powered actuators.

Operation of the Ball Mark Repair Tool

[0038] In operation, the ball mark repair tool 10 is typically used by a groundskeeper (or greenskeeper). The groundskeeper places the ball mark repair tool 10 directly over the ball mark and against the ground surface. The plunger 14 is then pressed downward. The downward movement of the plunger 14 and corresponding movement of the actuator rod 54 presses the spring 126 against the collar 40 and moves the stretching tines 20-26 downward through the bottom plate 18 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and into the ground surrounding the ball mark. As the stretching tines 20-26 are fully extended vertically, the movement of collar 40 is prevented by engagement with the stop pin 122. The actuator rod 54 is allowed to continue to move down under pressure with the plunger 14.

[0039] At this point, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the collar 60 continues to move downward, forcing the guide pins 63 against the angled cam surface 28 of the stretching tines 20-26. This movement causes the stretching tines to move horizontally towards the center of the ball mark. The horizontal movement of the stretching tines stretches undamaged grass over the ball mark to cover the ball mark. At the same time the clamp 82 on the actuator rod 54 engages collar 70 to move it downward. The downward movement of the collar 70 moves the compacting tines 32-38 into the ground around the ball mark at an angle due to the engagement of the guide pins 104, 106 in the slots 100, 102. Once the compacting tines are fully engaged in the ground, the angle of the slots 100, 102 cause the lower portions 112 of the compacting tines to pivot upward and inward. This upward and inward movement of the compacting tines 32-38 pushes the soil underneath the ball mark upward to fill the ball mark from beneath and also levels the surface with interaction from the bottom plate 18. Once the pressure on the plunger is released, the force from the compressed spring 126 returns the plunger and tines back to their original position. The marks from the extraction of the tines from the ground surface are relatively miniscule and serve to aerate the ground.

[0040] An important feature of this preferred embodiment is the movement of the tines only in the penetration marks of the tines. This minimizes damage to the grass understructure, particularly since the compacting tines only pivot without further movement once they have fully penetrated the grass.

[0041] As described above, the ball mark repair tool 10, in a first embodiment is powered by a hand operated plunger shown in FIG. 1, or in a second embodiment, may be used with a foot operated plunger shown in FIG. 10. Also, in other embodiments, the ball mark repair tool can include a power operated apparatus, either electrical, explosive, motor-driven, hydraulic or pneumatic or other power sources. The use of a first set of tines to stretch undamaged grass over the ball mark combined with a second set of tines to lift and compact the soil underneath the ball mark provides a unique and superior repairing process.

[0042] It is to be expressly understood that these descriptive embodiments are not meant to limit the scope of the claimed inventions, and that the claimed inventions are intended to encompass other equivalent structures and mechanisms for performing the equivalent functions. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ball mark repair tool, said tool comprising: a first set of tines; an actuating mechanism for moving said first set of tines vertically; an actuating mechanism for moving said first set of tines horizontally; a second set of tines; an actuating mechanism for moving said second set of tines vertically; and an actuating mechanism for moving said second set of tines pivotally upward.
 2. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said first set of tines vertically includes: a vertically movable plunger connected to said first set of tines; and a first set of linkages connected to said first set of tines as said plunger moves vertically.
 3. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said first set of tines horizontally includes: a vertically movable plunger connected to said first set of tines; a second set of linkages connected to said first set of tines; and said second set of linkages moves said first set of tines horizontally as said plunger moves vertically and after said first set of tines have been extended vertically.
 4. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said second set of tines vertically includes: a vertically movable plunger connected to said second set of tines; a third set of linkages connected to said second set of tines as said plunger moves vertically.
 5. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said second set of tines pivotally upward includes: a vertically movable plunger connected to said second set of tines; a fourth set of linkages connected to said second set of tines for pivotally moving said second set of tines upward as said plunger moves vertically and after said second set of tines are moved vertically.
 6. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said ball mark repair tool includes: a vertically movable plunger for operating each of said actuating mechanisms.
 7. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said ball mark repair tool includes: a hand operated vertically movable plunger for operating each of said actuating mechanisms.
 8. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said ball mark repair tool includes: a foot operated vertically movable plunger for operating each of said actuating mechanisms.
 9. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said ball mark repair tool includes: a power operated mechanism for operating each of said actuating mechanisms.
 10. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said first set of tines vertically includes: a vertically movable plunger; and a first set of cam surfaces operationally connected to said first set of tines for guiding said first set of tines vertically as said plunger moves vertically.
 11. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said first set of tines horizontally includes: a vertically movable plunger; a second set of cam surfaces operationally connected to said first set of tines for moving said first set of tines horizontally as said plunger moves vertically and after said first set of tines have been extended vertically.
 12. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said second set of tines vertically includes: a vertically movable plunger; a third set of cam surfaces operationally connected to said second set of tines moving said second set of tines vertically as said plunger moves vertically.
 13. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said second set of tines pivotally upward includes: a vertically movable plunger; a fourth set of cam surfaces operationally connected to said second set of tines for moving said second set of tines pivotally upward as said plunger moves vertically and after said second set of tines are moved vertically.
 14. A ball mark repair tool, said tool comprising: a housing; a plunger mounted for vertical movement extending at least partially into said housing; a first set of tines connected to said plunger; an actuating mechanism for moving said first set of tines vertically; an actuating mechanism for moving said first set of tines horizontally; a second set of tines connected to said plunger; an actuating mechanism for moving said second set of tines vertically; and an actuating mechanism for moving said second set of tines pivotally upward.
 15. The ball mark repair tool of claim 14 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said first set of tines vertically includes a first set of linkages connected to said first set of tines to move said first set of tines vertically as said plunger moves vertically.
 16. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said first set of tines horizontally includes: a second set of linkages connected to said first set of tines for moving said first set of tines horizontally as said plunger moves vertically and after said first set of tines have been extended vertically.
 17. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said second set of tines vertically includes: a third set of linkages connected to said second set of tines for moving said second set of linkages vertically as said plunger moves vertically.
 18. The ball mark repair tool of claim 1 wherein said actuating mechanism for moving said second set of tines pivotally upward includes: a fourth set of linkages connected to said second set of tines pivotally upward as said plunger moves vertically and after said second set of tines are moved vertically.
 19. A method for repairing ball marks, said method comprising the steps of: stretching undamaged grass from around a ball mark over the ball mark; compressing the soil beneath the ball mark into the ball mark; and leveling the soil and grass in the ball mark.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein said method further includes: providing a ball mark repair tool having a set of stretching tines to stretch the undamaged grass over the ball mark.
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein said method further includes: providing a ball mark repair tool having a set of compacting tines to lift and compact the soil beneath the ball mark into the ball mark.
 22. The method of claim 19 wherein said method further includes: providing a ball mark repair tool having a set of stretching tines to stretch the undamaged grass over the ball mark; and a set of compacting tines to lift and compact the soil beneath the ball mark into the ball mark.
 23. The method of claim 19 wherein said method further includes: providing a ball mark repair tool having a set of stretching tines to stretch the undamaged grass over the ball mark; providing an actuating mechanism for moving said stretching tines downward into the ground around the ball mark; and providing an actuating mechanism for moving said stretching tines substantially horizontal to stretch the undamaged grass over the ball mark.
 24. The method of claim 19 wherein said method further includes: providing a ball mark repair tool having a set of compacting tines to lift and compact the soil beneath the ball mark into the ball mark; providing an actuating mechanism for moving said compacting tines downward into the ground around the ball mark; and providing an actuating mechanism for moving said compacting tines substantially upward and inward to lift and compact the soil into the ball mark.
 25. The method of claim 19 wherein said method further includes: providing a ball mark repair tool having a set of stretching tines to stretch the undamaged grass over the ball mark; providing an actuating mechanism for moving said stretching tines downward into the ground around the ball mark; and providing an actuating mechanism for moving said stretching tines substantially horizontal to stretch the undamaged grass over the ball mark; providing a set of compacting tines to lift and compact the soil beneath the ball mark into the ball mark; providing an actuating mechanism for moving said compacting tines downward into the ground around the ball mark; and providing an actuating mechanism for moving said compacting tines substantially upward and inward to lift and compact the soil into the ball mark. 